1. FBI files show targeting of Catholic groups was bigger than Biden-era officials acknowledged, By Kerry Picket, The Washington Times, June 4, 2025
Newly obtained documents show the FBI’s investigation into “Radical Traditionalist Catholics” was far more extensive than previously disclosed, contradicting former Director Wray’s congressional testimony that it stemmed from a single memo. The files reveal coordination across multiple field offices, widespread internal dissemination, and the creation of a second draft report linking Catholic traditionalism to violent extremism, which the FBI leadership later ordered deleted. Senator Chuck Grassley criticized the bureau’s lack of transparency, use of biased sources like the SPLC, and possible efforts to withhold information from Congress.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/jun/3/fbi-files-show-targeting-catholic-groups-bigger-biden-era-officials/
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2. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary promises review of abortion pill’s safety, By Valerie Richardson, The Washington Times, June 4, 2025
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary has announced a review of the abortion pill mifepristone in response to recent studies suggesting it may be significantly more dangerous than previously reported. This marks a shift from his earlier stance, following pressure from lawmakers like Sen. Josh Hawley and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who cited findings that adverse effects occur in over 10% of users—much higher than the FDA’s current label indicates. The drug remains the subject of ongoing litigation, with both pro-life and pro-choice groups challenging its approval and access in federal courts.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/jun/3/marty-makary-fda-commissioner-promises-review-abortion-pills-safety/
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3. Trump administration revokes guidance requiring hospitals to provide emergency abortions, By Amanda Seitz and Geoff Mulvihill, Associated Press, June 3, 2025, 5:58 PM
The Trump administration announced it will revoke a Biden-era policy requiring hospitals to provide emergency abortions to stabilize pregnant patients, even in states with near-total abortion bans. The original 2022 guidance aimed to ensure care under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), which mandates stabilizing treatment in emergencies at Medicare-funded hospitals. Critics warn the reversal could endanger women in medical crises, while anti-abortion advocates applaud it as a move to curb what they see as a backdoor expansion of abortion access.
https://apnews.com/article/abortion-emtala-biden-trump-emergency-hospital-3640bff165dac1d28b91e8adee7e47dd
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4. Maine will let abortion-pill prescribers keep their names off labels, A new law will allow health-care providers to substitute their facility’s name for their own on prescriptions, By Praveena Somasundaram, The Washington Post, June 3, 2025, 5:39 PM
Maine has passed a new law allowing health-care providers to use their facility’s name instead of their own on abortion pill labels, aiming to protect them from harassment and legal threats amid growing national tensions over medication abortion. This measure, following similar laws in New York, Washington, and Vermont, adds a layer of protection for providers as abortion pills like mifepristone are increasingly targeted by conservative states and legal challenges. Despite opposition citing patient safety concerns, supporters argue the law ensures access while maintaining patient care standards and protecting providers from violence and legal retaliation.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/06/03/maine-abortion-pill-prescriber-name/
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5. Takeaways from AP’s reporting on looming extinction of rare version of Christianity in rural Japan, On the rural islands off the coast of Japan, a handful of believers practice a version of Christianity that has direct links to a time of samurai, shoguns and martyred missionaries, By Foster Klug, Associated Press, June 3, 2025, 1:30 AM
On the rural islands of Nagasaki, a small group of elderly believers known as Hidden Christians continue to practice a unique version of Christianity shaped by centuries of persecution, secrecy, and cultural blending with Buddhism. Unlike those who converted to mainstream Catholicism after Japan lifted its ban on Christianity in the 19th century, these faithful preserved clandestine rituals, Latin chants, and disguised religious icons passed down through generations. With no new baptisms since 1994 and younger generations leaving or disengaging, Hidden Christianity is rapidly disappearing, prompting urgent efforts to document and preserve its fading legacy.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/06/04/japan-hidden-christians-dwindling-numbers-preserving-history/61713faa-4106-11f0-b78e-5ddff7eb1e49_story.html
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6. Assisted suicide bill stalls in Illinois Legislature amid Catholic opposition, By Kate Quiñones, Catholic News Agency, June 3, 2025, 4:20 PM
A bill to legalize physician-assisted suicide in Illinois failed to advance in the state Senate before the legislative session ended, leaving the practice illegal despite having passed the House. The bill faced strong opposition from Catholic leaders like Cardinal Blase Cupich and legislators such as Rep. Adam Niemerg, who argued it undermines the dignity of life, risks abuse, and sends harmful messages to the vulnerable and mentally ill. Critics also warned that legalizing assisted suicide could contribute to rising suicide rates, especially among youth, and called instead for expanded palliative and compassionate care.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/264515/assisted-suicide-bill-stalls-in-illinois-legislature-amid-catholic-opposition
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7. Pope Leo XIV Faces an Early Challenge: How to Deal With Pope Francis’ Restrictions on the Latin Mass, Several options are available to the Holy Father, who has pledged to heal divisions and build bridges within the Church., By Edward Pentin, National Catholic Register, June 3, 2025
A key challenge for Pope Leo XIV is deciding how to address the restrictions Pope Francis imposed on the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) through Traditionis Custodes, which reversed Pope Benedict XVI’s more permissive approach and has sparked division across the Church. Critics argue the restrictions are unnecessarily harsh, divisive, and disrespectful to those who cherish the TLM, prompting calls for Leo to revoke or reform the decree—either by restoring bishops’ authority, issuing clarifying guidance, or simply signaling a more inclusive stance toward liturgical diversity. Supporters of the TLM hope Leo’s traditional sensibilities and calls to heal a “wounded Church” will lead to a balanced solution that affirms unity without suppressing the Church’s liturgical heritage.
https://www.ncregister.com/news/pope-leo-xiv-faces-an-early-challenge-related-to-the-old-mass
__________________________________________________________TCA Media Monitoring provides a snapshot from national newspapers and major Catholic press outlets of coverage regarding significant Catholic Church news and current issues with which the Catholic Church is traditionally or prominently engaged. The opinions and views expressed in the articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Catholic Association.
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